Pillar Rock - Bay of Islands

The Semele wreck holds a quiet charm, a ghost ship settling into the seabed. We often start our dive right on the bow, letting the current carry us gently along her length. You’ll find her broken, no doubt, but that just adds to the atmosphere – ribs exposed, plates peeling back like rust-coloured petals. Our favourite part is lingering over the deck, scanning for the smaller inhabitants. We've spotted everything from the tiny, shy Black Blenny peeking out of crevices to vibrant Citron Butterflyfish flitting through the skeletal remains. It’s not a wreck for penetration, we’ll be honest; the structure is too unstable. Instead, enjoy the way the soft corals have started to colonise the metal, creating miniature gardens where Scarlet Soldierfish hide in the shadows. We’d suggest keeping an eye on the sand around the wreck too; Short Mackerel are often cruising by. Finish your dive on the adjacent reef – it's seen better days, but we still find nudibranchs here, tucked away amongst the remaining staghorn. This site is best for advanced divers who appreciate the history of a wreck and the small discoveries it holds, rather than grand structural integrity. Expect average visibility around 20 metres, offering a good clear view of her resting place.

Location

Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia

Coordinates

-35.253900, 174.323700

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay